How much cartilage can be removed from a nose?

Question

The tip of my nose is fat, i have thin skin so i think a rhinoplasty would help alot but i was wondering just how much cartilage can be taken out? alot or a little? and can they reshape my nose so it doesnt look so fat right in the middle of it? ive looked up nose jobs and i have seen really fat noses go from fat to not being fat at all.. and im hoping it can be the same for me

Stephen Weber MD, FACS · Answer

There is always a balance between removing a reasonable amount of cartilage and creating a pleasing size/ shape of the nose while not removing excessive cartilage that results in a nose that doesn't breathe or that looks "done." You mentioned that you have thin skin which should enable significant sculpting and shaping or your nose. A bigger issue is created by very thick skin which can camouflage the meticulous shaping of the underlying cartilage. Seek a consultation with a rhinoplasty expert who should be able to perform simulations and give you some idea of the type of result you can possible achieve with surgery. I hope this information is helpful for you.Stephen Weber MD, FACSDenver Facial Plastic Surgeon

Kenneth Hughes, MD · Answer

Reducing and refining the nose is a very common request.Kenneth Hughes, MDLos Angeles, CA.............

Bryan G. Forley, MD · Answer

Cartilage removal or preservation in a rhinoplasty needs to be evaluated by a board certified plastic surgeon as each nose is different. In some cases cartilage may even be added for structural support.

Barry L. Eppley, MD, DMD · Answer

It is not so much about how much fat is removed but how it is reshaped for tip refinement. The nasal tip needs support to have a shape so some reduction may be needed but it is more important is how the remaining cartilage is shaped that leads to a more refined tip.

Steven Wallach, MD · Answer

A fat nose often refers to the globular tip which is often made of thick skin and a thick fatty subcutaneous layer.  The cartilages may make the tip bulbous and can be refined, but it usually is not a cartilage issue per se.

How much cartilage can be removed from a nose?

Answers (7)

Answer: Tip Refinement in Rhinoplasty

Answer: Tip Refinement in Rhinoplasty

Answer: Fat nose

Answer: Fat nose

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Everything you need to know about Rhinoplasty

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How much cartilage can be removed from a nose?

Answers (7)

Answer: Tip Refinement in Rhinoplasty

Answer: Tip Refinement in Rhinoplasty

Answer: Fat nose

Answer: Fat nose

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Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Rhinoplasty

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.